WORLD OF MUSIC

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 10 June 1933, Page 2

WORLD OF MUSIC

ORCHESTRAL WORK The scheme of collaboration—mooted ,rooin.i 011 c or more outside artists ana living two local performers a chance to appear on the programme, has again been followed and has resulted 5 “ a variety and attractiveness that arc certain io be popular. The con, duct or has done his best to secure just the right balance to suit all tastes He has made an excellent selection and, as the orchestra is stronger ins some sections than ever before, the prospects for the concert are exceedingly bright. The collaboration of harp and violin with solos on both instruments, should make a series of most attractive numbers One recalls 'the fascination exercised by the trio numbers of the world famed -Spivakovsky-Kurtz artists and how the concerted numbers were among the most attractive. There is no doubt whatever that a string trio or quartette —-who that heard them, does not recall the glorious selections bv the Verbrugghen quartette from Sydney?—is one of the most attractive of combined wont in the orchestral field Added to these, there will be the solo pianist and the sonorous string quartette. The ensemble should satisfy the most fastidious listener. The Orchestral Society, like all others.in these hard times, are having a keen struggle and it is up to all who are fond of music and all who value community effort, to do everything possible to help. Societies such as this are essential to the community if the individuals are to get the very best out of their life in the district.

MUSIC TEA GHEES’ ASSOCIATION.

/The idea has been running in the minds of some Hawera teachers that this district should follow the lead of most of the larger centres and form a branch or an association of their own. The idea is good and worth developing In Now Plymouth the association amalgamated With the Professional Musicians 5 Union. In Auckland, tnc association has helped the union! matcriallv and the need of the latter has been stressed by people interested in the question. It seems worth consideration and one wonders whether it is worth suggesting the holding of a music week or if that is impossible, a few special performances or perhaps one only, just to mark a special occasion in music. In most of the larger centres that will take place in. August, but here the Competitions loom, large in that month. How would it work to have a grand performance just after the Competitions? Soihe of the winners could no doubt assist in making a popular event. A special effort might help to bring- the music teachers together and help the idea of an association. COUNTRY ‘GLEE CLUBS.

It is good indeed to see that glee clubs are being, or have been, formed in several country centres. The last recorded is Whakamara. That picturesque country centre has tradition behind its musical efforts for, many years' ago, the settlers of those days did much good work in music. One hopes they will continue, for there are endless numbers of glees, catches and rounds, based on the English folk songs to provide items for them, that will be a real joy during the winter months. Often one./ could wish that the old musical evenings could be once more enjoyed They were really great fun.

Mangatoki inaugurated a similar club last year and there seems no Teason why these should not spring up m many small places. Mrs Buchanan, formerly of Whakamara, and Mr W. J. Metcalf, formerly of Fraser Road, have both formed glee clubs in their new places of residence in North TaTanalci. HAWERA CHILDREN’.S CHOIR.

A good work is being done in the Hawera Children’s Choir in fostering an interest in choral music and, incidentally, a knowledge of the different parts in singing and it is remarkable what tiny children can be taught. Some of the little ones in that choir have been learning duets, a most unusual thing among such young children. It is found that by teaching each his or her own paTt and then bringing the two together, a very interesting result can be achieved. A class of that kind in the Competitions Festival would induce a large number of entries and be a decided attraction, but, of course, the difficulty is to know liow far to go in the Competitions classes. The executive committee have a responsibility that is by no means light and they have to move very warily. However, it is hoped that the little people’s work -will continue unchecked, even though they cannot find a place in competitions. The work of practising and of learning their music and words will be very good for them and will be a joy in the future, to themselves and their friends. No singing is so full of charm as that of the young people.

BAND FOR. OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

The fine playing of the Bugle Band of the Ist Battalion of the Otago Regiment has captivated the fancy of the Minister of Defence (Mr J G. Oobbe), says a. Wellington paper, and ho did not fail to mention the Bugle Band, the perfect rhythm of the players, their woll-set-up carriage and precision in marching. It was happily and encouragingly suggested to Mr Cobbe that the Bugle Band should receive orders to play in the parliamentary grounds on the opening day of Parliament, and, laughingly, the Minister replied: “Yes—certainly; it would give zest to the proceedings!”